Whether you’re an 18-year-old freshman or a more seasoned transfer student, college is a life-changing experience, and at Cal it is infinitely more so: decades of tradition, excellent academics and some of the brightest minds all crammed together in a region that already has several claims to fame. The first year at Cal can be a sensory overload, so we’ve compiled a campus ‘bucket list’ of essential campus experiences. Let the golden years begin!
Bonfire Rally, Football Games & The Big “C”
Although the bonfire rally will not be taking place at the Greek Theatre the night before the Big Game this year, a pre-game rally with pyrotechnics will take place at Edwards Stadium, and a make-up bonfire has been scheduled for Nov. 9 at the theater.
Sather Tower
Another campus location many students visit only once, the Campanile can be a welcome respite from a busy day of classes or a place to collect your thoughts and enjoy the gorgeous, panoramic views. It’s also a great place to bring visiting family and friends, so just remember to check the schedule for opening hours.
Walking on Telegraph Avenue
Walking on Telegraph Avenue
Take a leisurely stroll with friends on a warm day and experience the eclectic mix of restaurants, markets and people.
Exploring Northside: Cheeseboard
North Berkeley contains the Gourmet Ghetto, a series of specialty food restaurants. One of the most popular is Cheeseboard, a bakery owned by a worker co-op that specializes in serving the very best vegetarian pizzas.
Tilden Park
Enjoy a picnic, or hike a range of trails. For a more leisurely, visually stimulating experience, visit the botanical gardens where local and exotic plants thrive.
Naked Run in Main Stacks
Every semester toward the end of RRR week, several co-ops get together and basically decide on a specific time for participants to drop trou and run through the crowded library. The degree of nudity varies but the sight is bound to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. It’s a welcome, or to some, an unwelcome, break from cramming for finals.
Lawrence National Laboratory
Located in the Berkeley Hills above the main campus, the research facility is home to leaders in scientific fields.
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Before the weather turns cool, enjoy Strawberry Canyon pool.
the berkeley marina is always overlooked…
Cheese Board is closed until the day after tomorrow for their summer vacation. The Lawrence Hall of Science is a great place to take your dates to look down on the bay, but don’t go inside since the exhibits are geared for grade school kids. When walking on Telegraph, don’t feed the native wildlife and keep your phone out of sight.
Cheeseboard reopened on the 14th.